Pte 22194 George Henry Norris

• Age: 33
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• K.I.A Wednesday 27th March 1918
• Commemorated at: Pozieres Memorial
  Panel Ref: P21-23

George Henry was born on 25th November 1884 in Liverpool the son of George Norris and his wife Ann Jane (nee Withers). His parents married at Holy Trinity Church, Liverpool in 1877. George Henry was baptised at St Peter's Church, Liverpool on 18th January 1885.

The 1891 Census shows the family living at Lambert Street, Liverpool. His father is shown as a butcher born in Liverpool in 1856 whilst his mother was born in Liverpool in 1857. George is 6 years of age and has 3 siblings; Ann Jane b.1879, Margaret b.1883 and Alex b.1890. Also present is Ellen Withers described as sister, presumably of George senior. 

By 1901 the family have moved to 15 Birchfield Street, Liverpool. Both parents are present. George is now 16 years of age and his occupation is shown as an apprentice Cooper. His siblings are all present and include an additional sister is Bertha b.1894.  

The 1911 Census finds the family at 37 Warren Street, Liverpool. Both parents are present along with his siblings, Ann Jane, Alexander and Bertha. George is now 26 and a Cooper by trade. Also present are a boarder and a servant.

He enlisted in Liverpool on 07/11/1914 joining the 20th Battalion as Private 22194, giving his age as 29 years and 11 months and his occupation as a Cooper. He is described as being 5'5 and a half inches tall, weighing 140lbs, being of fresh complexion with grey eyes and dark brown hair. He gave details of his siblings as follows: brother Alexander, ans sisters Ann Jane Parry, Margaret Lucas and Bertha Norris. 

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 19th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915. George was wounded in his left foot on 07/03/1916 and after treatment was discharged to his unit on 13/03/1916. 

Following the disbandment of the 20th Battalion, George was transferred on 07/02/1918, joining the 17^th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment when he was killed in action on the 27^th March 1918 aged 33 during the German Spring Offensive.

The Battalion diary for 27^th March 1918 gives an insight into the events of the day

FOLIES

Orders received that Battalion with the exception of 2 Companies at ROUVROY were to march to HANGEST and take up defensive positions there. H.Q. Company went forward. The remaining Company on arriving at Strong point near wood in K.15 were ordered by Genl Stevens  (90^th Brigade) to man that strong point.In the afternoon, orders were received to occupy position E. of BOUCHOIR -WARVILLERS road with this Company in conjunction with 18^th KLR and 2^nd Bn Yorks Regt. Part of H.Q. Company returned at about 5.30pm the remainder having been ordered to take up defensive position in HANGEST. Hostile shelling continued during the night, increasing in volume the following morning.  

He was reported wounded in the Liverpool Daily Post 28th March 1916

A newspaper report of his death advised that he was killed while trying to get badly wanted ammunition. 

A birthday remembrance notice was placed in the Liverpool Daily Post on 24th December 1918

NORRIS - In loving birthday remembrance of Private GEORGE NORRIS (Pals), who was killed in France, March 28th(sic) 1918.

You have left behind aching hearts,

Hearts that loved sincere;

Hearts that never will forget

The son and brother we all loved dear.

For us he always did his best;

God grant him eternal rest.

- Ever remembered by his Mother, Father, Sister, Brother and Bob Parry, 37 Warren Street, Liverpool.

George has no known grave and his name is recorded on the Pozieres Memorial in France.

The POZIERES MEMORIAL relates to the period of crisis in March and April 1918 when the Allied Fifth Army was driven back by overwhelming numbers across the former Somme battlefields, and the months that followed before the Advance to Victory, which began on 8 August 1918. The Memorial commemorates over 14,000 casualties of the United Kingdom and 300 of the South African Forces who have no known grave and who died on the Somme from 21 March to 7 August 1918.

The cemetery and memorial were designed by W.H. Cowlishaw, with sculpture by Laurence A. Turner. The memorial was unveiled by Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien on 4 August 1930.

Soldiers Effects to father George, Pension to mother Ann Jane.

His mother died 1936, aged 76 leaving just his father on the electoral roll at 37 Warren Street.

His father died in June quarter of 1937 aged 78.

We currently have no further information on George Henry Norris, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.